Friday, August 21, 2020

Uses and Effects of Barbiturates

Uses and Effects of Barbiturates Addiction Drug Use Print Barbiturates Usage History and Side Effects By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Updated on August 17, 2019 Bellurget Jean Louis/The Image Bank/Getty Images More in Addiction Drug Use Cocaine Heroin Marijuana Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Opioids Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery Barbiturates are a class of drugs derived from barbituric acid that act as depressants to the central nervous system. These drugs are used as sedatives or anesthetics and have the potential to become addictive. Theyre problematic because there is no good treatment to reverse a barbiturate overdose.   The primary use of barbiturates in the 21st century has been physician-assisted suicide (in states where such  procedures are legal). History German researcher Adolph von Baeyer was the first to synthesize barbituric acid. Barbital (Veronal) was the first barbiturate and was used for medical purposes in 1903. Barbiturates were frequently used to treat agitation, anxiety, and insomnia, but their use for treating such symptoms fell out of favor due to the risk of overdose and abuse. Legend has it that the drugs name comes from the date Baeyer and his colleagues made the discovery: They apparently went to celebrate their find at a tavern on the feast day of St. Barbara. Benzodiazepines have largely replaced barbiturates in most medical uses. Effects The pharmacological actions of barbiturates include depressing nerve activity in the cardiac, smooth and skeletal muscles. These drugs also affect the CNS in several different ways and can produce effects ranging from mild sedation to a coma depending upon the dosage. Low doses of barbiturates can lower anxiety levels and relieve tension, while higher doses can decrease the heart rate and blood pressure. Barbiturates have some severe drawbacks, including: Potentially dangerous interactions with other drugsLack of safety and selectivityA tendency to create dependence, tolerance, abuse, and withdrawalLack of effective treatment for overdoses Examples Amobarbital: Commonly referred to as sodium amytal, this barbiturate gained a reputation as a truth serum since it proved effective when given to some subjects during interrogation. While it doesnt actually compel people to tell the truth, amobarbital can slow the central nervous system so that concentration becomes more difficult. The theory was that someone asked a question while under the influence of amobarbital would be less likely to be able to think of a false answer, which requires more focus than simply telling the truth.Butalbital: this short-acting barbiturate was frequently used to treat migraine headaches, often in combination with acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. It was marketed under the brand names Fiorinal and Fioricet. Its also been used as a sedative and an anesthetic. It was marketed under the brand names Fiorinal and Fioricet. Its also been used as a sedative and an anesthetic.Phenobarbital: This barbiturate was used to treat seizures in young children, due to its effectiveness as an anticonvulsant. It also has been used to treat anxiety, drug withdrawal (particularly from other barbiturates) and as a sleep aid.Secobarbital: Marketed in the U.S. as Seconal beginning in 1934, this drug was a widely-prescribed sleep aid. Its the most-used drug in physician-assisted suicides in the U.S.Pentobarbital: Used as an anesthetic in animals, this drug formerly used to treat seizures and convulsions has the dubious distinction of being one of the preferred drugs used for state executions in the U.S.

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